Chill out with these hot tips for staying cool in Orlando, including themed water parks, full-featured resort pools and other ways to make a splash (Universal's Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort pictured).
Updated April 14, 2021
Cool off and have fun on your next trip to Orlando with 10 unforgettable ways to beat the heat this summer! From river raft rides, fun splash areas and twisting waterslides at your favorite theme parks and water parks, to delicious ice-cold treats and drinks, incredible indoor experiences, and beautiful places to relax poolside, there’s no shortage of ways to chill in Orlando during your summer vacation.
Water Parks
One of the best ways to take advantage of the Orlando summer is by spending the day at one of our many incredible water parks! Go all-in on cooling off at Disney’s Blizzard Beach® or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® at Walt Disney World® Resort, embrace the tropical side of summer at Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort, turn up the fun at Aquatica® Orlando at SeaWorld® Orlando, and build perfect aquatic adventures at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s water park, which is available as an upgrade to park admission. (Please note: Orlando's themed water parks are subject to seasonal closings. Check with your preferred water parks for their current status.)
Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks & Attractions
Keep in mind that our theme parks’ water parks are in addition to onsite water parks at top hotels and resorts in the Orlando area. Plus, SeaWorld offers Discovery Cove®, a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive day resort where you can frolic with all manner of aquatic creatures — including the chance to swim with dolphins!
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Ice-Cold Drinks
There’s no better way to chill on a hot summer day than with an ice-cold drink, and nobody does ice-cold better than ICEBAR Orlando. One look at the venue tells it all: the glasses, walls, seats and other fixtures are all made of ice!
While not literally freezing, there are countless other Orlando nightspots and restaurants that serve cool summer cocktails. Just head to Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World, Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando, International Drive (including ICON Park® and Pointe Orlando), Restaurant Row, downtown Orlando, or Winter Park for the latest offerings!
Theme Park Rides With a Splash
Climb aboard and hold on! Whether you are braving Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld, singing along on Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom® Park, or dodging dinosaurs on Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, these water-enhanced rides are sure to bring thrills and chills to any summer day. Just be warned that you’ll probably get wet!
Natural Springs
For a relaxing, inexpensive way to experience Orlando’s great outdoors, look no further than one of our beautiful natural springs. Swim through the cool, crystal-clear water of Wekiwa Springs State Park, float gently on an inner tube at Kelly Park, visit a 100-year-old replica of an 1830s sugar mill at De Leon Springs State Park, or rent a canoe and paddle down the St. Johns River at Blue Springs State Park. You may even spot some manatees!
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River Raft Rides
Brave Orlando's wild raft and boat adventures for a cool time, including the Battle of Bricksburg at LEGOLAND Florida’s THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD, exploring the rainforest on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World, sailing aboard Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando , taking the plunge on Infinity Falls® at SeaWorld, or even embarking on a safari with Congo River Rapids at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Kids’ Splash Areas
Got little ones looking to have fun and splash around in the summer sun? Be sure to visit kids-friendly splash areas, including Rubber Duckie Water Works at SeaWorld’s all-new Sesame Street Land™, DUPLO® Splash & Play and DUPLO Splash Safari at LEGOLAND Florida, Barney’s Backyard at Universal Studios Florida, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Gatorland’s Gator Gully Splash Park, and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Discover: Orlando for Toddlers
Numerous Orlando-area hotels and resorts also offer kids’ splash areas. No matter where you find them, splash zones are an absolute blast and perfect for keeping children cool.
Frozen Treats
Frozen treats are a delicious way to cool off — and Orlando has them in spades! For lovers of gourmet-style French sweets, L’Artisan des Glaces at EPCOT® has exactly what you’re seeking, along with classic Disney treat options. At Universal Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, you can enjoy a frozen twist on the famous Butterbeer™.
Discover: Cold Treats in Orlando
Elsewhere around town, traditional favorites like ice cream, slushies and Italian ice join more unique options such as rolled ice cream from Thailand, “farm-to-freezer” artisanal pops and even chilled cookie dough. Just watch out for brain freeze while cooling down with these options!
Cool Resort Pools
What’s a better way to beat the heat in Orlando than stepping into your own backyard? Orlando’s resorts offer some of the coolest pools you’ve ever seen, featuring surf simulators, twisting waterslides, lazy rivers, waterfalls, tropical oases and more — and there’s never a better time than summer to cool off and relax poolside. For an extra helping of serenity, find a tropical cabana and kick back!
Discover: Cool Pools in Orlando
Splash Zone Shows at SeaWorld Orlando
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool and see some spectacular aquatic animals, be sure to catch one of SeaWorld’s live shows at Shamu® Stadium, Dolphin Theater, or Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. Sit in the splash zone to get a close-up view of the playful dolphins in “Dolphin Days” and “Touch the Sky,” the majestic killer whales in “One Ocean,” or even some playful and hilarious sea lions in “Sea Lion High: The New Class.” And of course, be ready to get soaked!
Head Indoors
Don’t want to face the heat head-on? Escape indoors, where there’s plenty to see and do! When it comes to unforgettable indoor attractions, we have something for everyone. For instance, you can reach new speeds and heights at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving, or even test your mind (and your friendships!) at The Escape Game Orlando, among others.
Both of International Drive’s walkable entertainment, dining and shopping hubs have indoor attractions for you, too. They include Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, In the Game ICON Park and 7D Dark Ride Adventure at ICON Park®, and WonderWorks and Main Event Entertainment at Pointe Orlando.
Discover: Indoor Attractions in Orlando
Don’t skip on the indoor shopping, either! Whether you’re looking for an amazing, all-around retail experience with a massive selection at The Florida Mall® or a high-end shopping trip amid beautiful environs at The Mall at Millenia, Orlando has you covered. You can also cool off while broadening your horizons at numerous cultural venues, including performing arts, museums, historical buildings and more. It just goes to show there's no wrong way to cool down in Orlando!
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